On Monday, I attended the funeral services for one of our employees, who at the early age of 23 suffered a tragic death in an auto accident. Michael Burke was an outstanding EMT, much in the same vein as so many others here in Hudson County. Michael died suddenly last Thursday in the early morning hours. For the past four days, as I'm sure you can imagine, my focus was on his passing, assisting his family, and arranging for the appropriate sendoff to a brother in EMS.

Suffice to say, my attention may not have been as directed as it would normally be. And during this time, we were forced to respond to unsubstantiated allegations by the JCMC administration, which characterized us as an "unproven, politically connected, out-of-town ambulance service." Further, they insinuated that the general public would be in harm's way if McCabe Ambulance was awarded the contract. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

Recently, McCabe Ambulance submitted to the City of Jersey City a request for proposal to provide 911 EMS services within that community. Our document, along with others, was reviewed by an evaluation committee, which forwarded its recommendation to Mayor Fulop. McCabe was the recommended service. That is but the first part of the journey to be recognized as the EMS provider. The next phase occurs this Wednesday night when the Jersey City Municipal Council votes on who will receive said contract.

I know that I speak for Michael and my entire staff when I say we have nothing but the highest regard, respect, and admiration for the "boots on the ground" EMS community here in Hudson County. The paramedics and EMTs that perform every single hour of every single day have shown nothing but a caring, compassionate attitude. Unfortunately, they have been constrained by administrative doctrine in certain areas, such as where a patient could be transported. Yet, following command, they did what was asked of them.

I have served 40 years here on the streets of Hudson County. I have held numerous positions throughout the State of New Jersey on various committees, councils and task forces, and have always found the Jersey City Medical Center EMS community to be nothing less than professional. We have served together in mass care situations, including World Trade Center 93, September 11, Miracle on the Hudson, All Points West, and most recently Super Bowl 48. McCabe has always backed up JCMC and JCMC has always backed up McCabe.

That is why, should any comments be perceived as being condescending to the efforts of JCMC's staff, I apologize. It was never intended to be that way. Should McCabe be awarded the Jersey City EMS contract, I personally encourage each and every one of you to apply for continued employment within your venue as part of our McCabe family. Our promise of parity with your current salary still stands. And no matter the outcome, McCabe will continue to support the EMTs and paramedics of all of Hudson County in all that you do on a daily basis, without hesitation.